Tokyo will enter a congested schedule, playing three matches in three days. They will face Gamba Osaka, Vissel Kobe, and Kyoto Sanga F.C. in a consecutive series against Kansai teams. First, they will play away against Gamba Osaka.
The opponent is currently in 16th place in the playoff zone before the match, and in order to break free from the battle for survival, they changed their coach at the end of the season. Although they lost to Sagan Tosu in the previous match, they had won consecutive matches against Nagoya Grampus and Avispa Fukuoka until the match before last, steadily accumulating points under the leadership of coach Hiroshi MATSUDA.
The first half of the match was held at the Japan National Stadium, and Tokyo won with two goals from players Adailton and Leandro.
For Tokyo, regardless of the opponent's ranking, it is important to maintain possession of the ball and aim for the goal, and to see how well they can maintain their own style and take control of the game. In addition to the game itself, they also want to pursue a victory in this match, as it will be their first three consecutive wins since the beginning of the season.
In the previous match, we didn't back down against Yokohama F.Marinos, who are competing for the top spot, and created many decisive chances from our passing play, taking advantage of their weaknesses. We managed to equalize the 2-point deficit from set plays and earned 1 point. Although we had the potential to win, there is still a challenge of converting chances into goals. We will use overcoming this challenge as motivation and give our all on the pitch this match, aiming to bring back 3 points to Tokyo.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: Will you give it your all in the first game of the three-game series?
A, of course, I am completely focused on tomorrow's game in terms of tactical aspects and concentration. However, I need to consider player selection as we have three consecutive matches.
Q: G Osaka may have changed their coach and system since the last match. What is your current impression?
A, because time has passed, I think this match will be a completely different battle from the first half of the season. First of all, both teams have grown over time. I think that each match is different. And as we approach the end of the season, I think that the ranking will also affect the match. In that sense, it is expected to be a significantly different match from the first half of the season. However, I am focused on pushing forward in the direction we aim for. Whether the opposing team is Yokohama FM, Kawasaki, or G Osaka, I want to concentrate only on what we do without changing.
Q: What do you think Tokyo needs to do in order to win games and further grow, considering they are playing good football?
A, I think there is an influence of mental elements on the team's growth. In any industry or field, I believe that the feeling of improvement and growth leads to results, as it becomes confidence in what we are doing. Of course, we want to play well, but the reason for that is to win the game. However, I don't want to think that we have to win. I don't think it's necessary for myself or the team to put pressure on ourselves. There is also necessary pressure. That is, in each daily game and practice, we must always feel pressure to win against the opponent in front of us as professionals, to win this game, and to perform at our best in practice. I think that is the way a professional should be.
Q: Do you have any particular focus on aiming for the AFC Champions League based on the results of the three consecutive matches?
A, I am very interested in what can happen in the soccer world, but I think there are players who want to lose and stand on the pitch. The media, fans and supporters all express and feel that they want to win against us, the coach and the players, but I think it is natural for everyone to want to win the game and there is no need to speak out. We have always played to win in previous games. However, even if we want to win the game when changing the soccer style, it is natural that there is a possibility and danger of losing the game in order to seek the growth of the team. However, wanting to win is natural and exists as a matter of course in this world. I don't think it is necessary to emphasize it again. Now, there are 24 points to win in front of us. If possible (in the next 8 games), everyone expects to win all 24 points. I think not only us, but all teams think that way. However, it is impossible for all teams to win all points. This is because there are wins and losses in each game. For example, let's say someone from the fans or supporters says that they have to win the game. However, the feeling of wanting to win is a natural emotion that everyone has. What I expect in the medium to long term is that if we can firmly grow this playing style, it will lead to a continuous and stable number of victories for the team. However, I and the players also want to win every game even during the growth process.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoma WATANABE＞
Q, how is the condition including the three consecutive games?
A, it will be an important three-game series, and regardless of whether I play or not, I want to prepare myself to be able to fight all three games at full strength by getting my condition in order.
Q, there have been many scenes where we have been able to break the opponent's defense well while holding the ball in the attacking situation, and the number of goals has also increased in the past few matches.
I think our team has become more solid in attack because everyone can contribute. On the other hand, we have been conceding more goals, so that is an area that we need to improve as a team. We want to raise our awareness and improve our ability to transition after losing the ball, especially since we have been able to score.
Q: What impression do you have of G Osaka?
There is an impression that there are fast players vertically and good players on the side half. I hope we can play at our own pace while holding the ball so that we are not given a chance.
Q, where is the key point to win the game?
A, I think the opponent is playing in a 4-4-2 formation, so if we can create a numerical advantage in their midfield, I believe we can move forward. We have gradually improved in terms of ball circulation at the back, and I think it's important to see how we can exploit the opponent's defense in the attacking phase.
Q, I think there are many scenes where the ball settles down at Watanabe's place and chances are created when watching the game.
A, there are still scenes where we lose the ball due to simple mistakes. There were a few instances in the Yokohama FM match, so we need to eliminate them and aim to play a role in scoring.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the game.
This is the first match of a 3-game series, and I think it will be an important match to determine our position in the standings based on the results of these 3 matches. First, we want to secure 3 points in the match against G Osaka and build momentum for the team.
